Nydia Bay

We left the "Lodge on the Track" at about 8.30 this morning - 5 minutes into today's walk this was the view. Fantastic!

Yesterday's walk was something of a trudge - though well worthwhile. Although I can tromp along on the down hill and the flat I'm not too good going up hills - I blame it on too many years of smoking (gave up 10 years ago). The slog up that first saddle nearly did me in but I got my wind back once we started down again.

It was interesting when we came to the bull paddock, with the bull in it, and had to walk through it - just imagine Liz and I tiptoeing and hiding behind big brave Adrienne (the oldest and smallest of our wee group) - for the full kilometre length of the paddock! We weren't very brave - thank goodness for A being there to talk us through it!

The Lodge, when we got to it, was incredibly worthwhile. We were greeted with iced water, a hot cuppa and just out of the oven friands. Wow! Then shown our rooms and a beeline for the outdoor hot-tub.

The dinner was also wonderful - and entertaining shared with the other 9 guests. Including, ironically, 6 people I'd worked with in the past!

A great night's sleep was followed by a lovely breakfast of cereal, fresh made yoghurt, freshly cooked croissants, and toast with home made preserves. Our packed lunches were wonderful too! Off we set on what we were told was the prettier half of the track. It was!

This second saddle was an easier walk, there was more native bush and more sea views BUT it was 3km longer than yesterday's and by the end of it all three of us were pretty darned walked out. It was such a relief to see our transport arrive and to sit on a soft car seat for an hour on the ride back to the car.

Because it was still reasonably early we gave in (to ourselves) and had an early meal at the Slip Inn in Havelock before heading home.

A really wonderful weekend, great experience that I recommend to any and every one. If you get the opportunity then you should do this walk - and do make sure that you stay at the "On the Track Lodge" - what an amazing place in the middle of nowhere.

Mind you I'm SO stiff now I'm off for a hot radox soak and I may well be crawling tomorrow!

Check out yesterday's blip of Nydia Bay from the top of the saddle.